WP Welcomes Jockey T.D. Houghton and HorseTourneys' Eric Wing
November 18, 2021
Hosted by John Engelhardt
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Jockey T.D. Houghton is one of the most successful riders in the racing game, but he didn’t achieve that status without many hurdles to overcome. On more than one occasion, doctors have told him his riding career was over, but somehow he lays out a map of successful rehabilitation that has continually guided him back to the winner’s circle. Terry started riding in 1987 and has earned countless frequent flyer miles from the doctors and hospitals in the region while piling up the injuries in a 34-year riding career that has seen him win over 6,000 races and win over $65 million. On April 10 he was involved in a 3-horse spill at Mahoning Valley that put him in the hospital. His injuries were extensive to the point that he required an almost complete facial reconstruction. During his rehabilitation, he took advantage of the time away from the saddle to begin preparing for his life after competition on horseback to study to become a steward. Terry will discuss his most recent comeback that saw him victorious in the $100,000 Galbreath Memorial at Mahoning. He will also discuss the trials he has been through to continue in the sport he loves. While the Breeders’ Cup is over, graded stakes races haven’t gone away and we will be featuring three on the schedule this weekend. Handicapper Eric Wing from Horse Tourneys will be our handicapping guest to weigh in on the Breeders’ Cup and analyze this week’s races. The Red Smith (G2), at Aqueduct, 1 3/8 miles (turf), 3-year-olds and up - Trainer Jack Sisterson confirmed in a text message Sunday to Horse Racing Nation that Channel Cat would be entered in this race, making him the only millionaire among the horses otherwise listed by the New York Racing Association as probable entrants. The 6-year-old entire by English Channel never has raced at Aqueduct, but he has stakes wins at Saratoga and Belmont Park, most notably the Man O’ War (G1) in May. The Chilukki (G3), at Churchill Downs ,one mile, fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up - Matera might be looking at a glorified workout in the 36th running of this race named for a 1999 Eclipse Award winner. The 4-year-old Tapit filly trained by Brad Cox had only three probable opponents listed by Churchill Downs stakes coordinator Dan Bork. Matera won listed stakes during the summer at Indiana Downs and Ellis Park. She carried a three-race winning streak into the Locust Grove (G3) on Sept. 18 at Churchill, but she finished fourth to Shedaresthedevil, CrystalBall and Envoutante. Native Diver (G3), at Del Mar, 1 1/8 miles, 3-year-olds and up - Midcourt won this race in 2019. As an odds-on favorite last year he finished second to Extra Hope. The 6-year-old Midnight Lute gelding who is trained by John Shirreffs was one of 11 nominations for this year’s renewal of the Native Diver. Midcourt has raced only twice this year, coming off the bench to win a June allowance before being eased late in the Awesome Again (G1) last month at Santa Anita.
Winning Ponies
Thursday at 5 PM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
On the show we will talk about the Sport of Kings. We will delve into the different features of the WinningPonies.com website. John Engelhardt will talk about the issues of the day that affect horse racing, such as synthetic surfaces, medication rule changes, the fate of the industry as a whole, VLTs and Casinos, and human interest stories of triumph and defeat. You will also hear our spot play of the week, where John will handicap the feature races for the upcoming weekend, and will give out his best plays. We will keep you abreast racing’s big events. Featured on the show will be guests (trainers, jockeys, owners, celebrity handicappers and industry insiders). Promotional giveaways will be featured, such as brand merchandise and free WinningCredits.
"Winning Ponies" is broadcast live every Thursday at 8 PM Eastern/5 PM Pacific on the VoiceAmerica Variety Channel.
John Engelhardt
You may recognize him as "Racing's Regular Guy." For ten years, John Engelhardt hosted the informative and sometimes irreverent handicapping show from his base at River Downs in Cincinnati, Ohio. He developed a passion for thoroughbred racing as a youngster at Saratoga, and has been able to make his love of the sport his life's calling.
Engelhardt, a native of Syracuse, New York is a graduate of the University of Dayton. His professional career in racing began as the track photographer at Beulah Park in 1983 and he has worked in racing ever since. John produced "The Stretch Run" for eight years, which aired on the CBS affiliate WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. For four years Engelhardt co-hosted "The Regular Guy Handicapping Show on HOMER 1530-AM in Cincinnati with former "Winning Ponies" host Ed Meyer.
John served as the President of the Turf Publicists of America in 2009 and 2010, after serving several years as the Midwest Vice-President of that organization. He is currently a consultant for Pinnacle Entertainment handling publicity, public relations, marketing, advertising and special events for River Downs. Under the "nom-de-course" of Heart of an Angel Stable, he has bred and owned thoroughbreds for 18 years.
"Racing's Regular Guy" has been exposed to racing on many levels and greets the sport with enthusiasm and well-rounded knowledge. Tune in Thursdays at 5PM PT, as he welcomes nationally recognized guests, who will help you find those "Winning Ponies.”
